Ephesians 2:4-10 "But GOD, WHO is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Today's text reminds us that GOD is "rich in mercy" and rich in grace (vv.4,7). Both of these blessed spiritual realities have special significance for the child of GOD. As believers, we can look back and thank GOD for HIS amazing mercy and grace in sending HIS only begotten SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to die on the cross for our sins and rise again bodily for our justification. How grateful we should be for these great riches of GOD's mercy and grace revealed through HIS WORD. We were born again as the HOLY SPIRIT took the WORD of GOD and used IT to convict us of our sin and of our need to trust in the only SAVIOR from sin, JESUS CHRIST (Romans 10:17 pictured above).
The Bible tells us that the moment we accepted the Scripture's invitation to be saved, we became new creatures in CHRIST (2nd.Corinthians 5:17 pictured above). The new walk is to be different from the old one. We are now partakers of GOD's grace as HIS dear children. We now have the blessed privilege of doing the good works for which we were created in CHRIST JESUS in the first place (v.10). It is GOD's will that we not only look back in thankfulness for HIS mercy and grace in salvation but also that we trust HIM more each day; the result of our yielded reliance is that we will do the work GOD has called us to do.
These provisions are truly wonderful, but notice verse seven, which tells us that the best is yet ahead; GOD's eternal plan is to manifest "the exceeding riches of HIS grace" throughout "the ages to come !" Every child of GOD can anticipate a glorious future ! No believer has any reason to be downcast or discouraged, for GOD's mercy and grace has been -- and always will be -- abundant toward HIS beloved children. MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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